Latest news with #R430
IOL News
19 hours ago
- IOL News
Join the Fight to #Save Table Mountain: Petition for Accountability and Action
Friends of Table Mountain have launched a petition demanding accountability and alleging that Table Mountain National Park is being mismanaged. The petition has nearly 4 000 signatures. Image: Picture: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers A petition demanding accountability, calling for comprehensive action to restore and protect Table Mountain, is set to cross 4 000 signatures. The campaign, driven by Friends of Table Mountain and supported by Take Back Our Mountains, Love Our Trails, Table Mountain Watch, Table Mountain Bikers and Hikers Network, said they believe it's their right and responsibility to demand accountability and action. 'Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is plagued by critical issues directly attributable to SANParks' poor management and underfunding. These problems threaten the park's ecological integrity, visitor safety and tourism potential,' the collective's campaign said. They are concerned by the persistently high crime rates, failure of their conservation mandate, decaying infrastructure, insufficient signage, runaway fires, and the decay of tourism infrastructure. They also raised concerns regarding SANParks spending only R107 million on TMNP in 2024, despite generating R430 million in income. They said that as concerned citizens and users of TMNP, they demand transparent resourcing, enhanced safety and security, an effective 24/7 control centre for reporting issues, cameras at trailheads and key hotspots, expansion of the K9 dog unit and Infrastructure review and investment, as well as fair permit fees. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, said the safety of Table Mountain requires a whole-of-society approach. 'The beauty of this national park is breathtaking. But beauty can become dangerous if basic safety rules are ignored. That's why SANParks continues to issue safety guidelines, and recent incidents prove just how vital those messages are. 'But what is the use of signage, media engagements, awareness blitzes, loud hailers, and all other efforts to get the message out when, at a partnership level, we do not seek to join efforts to push back against criminal elements?' Louw said. 'For context and not wishing to nitpick, a few scenarios will illustrate this aptly. A young lady was stranded at about 8pm on a Friday night with no cellphone or cash. 'Our rangers, whilst on a routine safety patrol, came across her and offered assistance. In another instance, a group of ladies in their late teens and early twenties were also found walking from Signal Hill to Lion's Head by themselves at night. This is unsafe, as we advise hikers not to hike at night,' Louw said. Louw stated that SANParks has consistently demonstrated its commitment to preserving nature and ensuring public safety. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Help #SaveTable Mountain: Petition calls for action against mismanagement
Friends of Table Mountain have launched a petition demanding accountability and alleging that Table Mountain National Park is being mismanaged. The petition has nearly 4 000 signatures. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers A petition demanding accountability, calling for comprehensive action to restore and protect Table Mountain, is set to cross 4,000 signatures, with them urging more concerned residents to join them. This campaign, driven by Friends of Table Mountain and supported by Take Back Our Mountains, Love Our Trails, Table Mountain Watch, Table Mountain Bikers and Hikers Network, said that they believe it's their right and responsibility to demand accountability and action. 'Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is plagued by critical issues directly attributable to SANParks' poor management and underfunding. These problems threaten the park's ecological integrity, visitor safety and tourism potential,' the collective's campaign said. They are concerned by the persistently high crime rates, failure of their conservation mandate, decaying infrastructure, insufficient signage, runaway fires, and the decay of tourism infrastructure. They also raised concerns regarding SANParks spending only R107 million on TMNP in 2024, despite generating R430 million in income. They said that as concerned citizens and users of TMNP, they demand transparent resourcing, enhanced safety and security, an effective 24/7 control centre for reporting issues, cameras at trailheads and key hotspots, expansion of the K9 dog unit and Infrastructure review and investment, as well as fair permit fees. "Table Mountain, Cape Town's iconic UNESCO World Heritage site and New7Wonder of Nature, is in a state of alarming decline. Despite generating significant revenue, SANParks is severely under-resourcing and mismanaging TMNP, leading to widespread deterioration and neglect. "Join our urgent call for comprehensive action to restore and protect this irreplaceable natural asset for current and future generations. As concerned mountain users and community members, we believe it's our right and responsibility to demand accountability and action," they said. This campaign, driven by Friends of Table Mountain and supported by Take Back Our Mountains, Love Our Trails, Table Mountain Watch, Table Mountain Bikers and Hikers Network, said that they believe it's their right and responsibility to demand accountability and action. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers Archive SANParks Head of Communications and spokesperson, JP Louw, has addressed the aforementioned concerns, stating that the safety of Table Mountain requires a whole-of-society approach. 'The beauty of this national park is breathtaking. But beauty can become dangerous if basic safety rules are ignored. That's why SANParks continues to issue safety guidelines, and recent incidents prove just how vital those messages are. 'But what is the use of signage, media engagements, awareness blitzes, loud hailers, and all other efforts to get the message out when, at a partnership level, we do not seek to join efforts to push back against criminal elements?' Louw said. 'For context and not wishing to nitpick, a few scenarios will illustrate this aptly. A young lady was stranded at about 8 pm on a Friday night with no cellphone or cash. 'Our rangers, whilst on a routine safety patrol, came across her and offered assistance. In another instance, a group of ladies in their late teens and early twenties were also found walking from Signal Hill to Lion's Head by themselves at night. This is unsafe, as we advise hikers not to hike at night,' Louw said. Louw stated that SANParks has consistently demonstrated its commitment to preserving nature and ensuring public safety. 'But as we call for a partnership to work together, we are, of course, not excusing SANParks and its management of its responsibilities.' Louw has said that SANParks has implemented targeted operations, information sharing and joint deployment, along with joint operations with SAPS, City Law Enforcement, Metro Police and community safety initiatives. 'Debates about doing or spending more will, of course, rage on. Sadly, there are others who have no understanding of South Africa's successful and world-class conservation model that saved species like Bontebok and the Mountain Zebra. 'But that is a matter for another time and space, which clearly needs SANParks to introspect about the means to provide better education and information about its successful workings,' Louw said. 'Importantly, while we are engaged in debates, we should not lose sight of the positive strides that are being made. 'But we are also well aware of the critical need to partner with users of Table Mountain National Park to push back against criminal elements. It is also against this understanding that we continue inviting all who are keen to constructively support this effort to join hands,' Louw said. [email protected]
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Court criticises Absa's bookkeeping after bank fails to recover R6. 7 million
In 2021, Absa and Gola Trading and Projects signed a business loan, secured by a mortgage bond of R5.6 million and supported by personal guarantees from Arandana and Tswane Refineries. Image: Absa/Facebook Absa has lost a bid to attach property after it claimed that this was the best way to recover some R6.7 million it said was owed to it by two companies and Authar Arandana after they allegedly defaulted on a loan. In dismissing the dispute over the multimillion-rand business loan, the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg was scathing in its judgement about the reliability of Absa's books. 'In any event, it seems clear to me that… it is evident the bookkeeping of the plaintiff was in disarray.' The Judge, N.S. Kruger, said this conclusion was based on a review of communication between Absa as plaintiffs and defendants Gola Trading and Projects, Arandana, and Tswane Refineries. Kruger also considered 'various conflicting loan statements'. Kruger said in the recent judgement that 'it seems that as far as [Absa] is concerned, the one hand is unaware of what the other is doing. In my view the defendants have succeeded in raising triable issues [matters that can be defended] in these respects'. In 2021, Absa and Gola Trading and Projects signed a business loan, secured by a mortgage bond of R5.6 million and supported by personal guarantees from Arandana and Tswane Refineries. The contract's date is in dispute, having been signed in either February or October 2021, but the court noted its structure and obligations are not. The loan included a capital facility of R5.535m, fees and VAT, and an additional amount for interest and potential legal costs. According to the Absa, by mid-2023, Gola Trading and Projects had defaulted on payments, falling five instalments behind, which was more than R430 000. This, Absa claims, triggered a contractual clause allowing the loan to be cancelled and the full balance, of more than R5.27 million, to be called in immediately. But the defendants contest this, saying no such arrears existed. They point to a series of loan statements showing lower arrears and argue that subsequent payments – including two of R90,000 and a larger one of over R194,000 – brought the account into a credit position. By 10 October 2023, they received a statement showing that no arrears were owed. Despite this, Absa continued to chase the money, later adjusting the alleged arrears to R312,000 and seeking summary judgment. The amount claimed was later revised again to R4.27 million, which the judge said raised further questions. The defendants argued that this pattern of inconsistencies undermines Absa's certificate of balance and suggested a material dispute that should be tested at trial. Among the errors cited was an apparent reference to a '2019 agreement' in the bank's court papers – something Absa later admitted was a drafting mistake, the judgment noted. There were also discrepancies in the bank's internal calculations, leading to conflicting figures across statements and correspondence, the judge said. The defendants argued that, even if the loan was technically in arrears at one point, Absa's subsequent conduct, accepting payments and requesting further instalments, effectively reinstated the contract. They assert that no formal notice of breach was served before the alleged cancellation, and that the bank's changing demands demonstrate the agreement was still in place. Adding to the complexity, the third defendant has since gone into voluntary liquidation. Absa has postponed its claim against this party, focusing instead on recovering funds from Arandana and Gola Trading and Projects, and seeking a court order to declare the mortgaged property executable. However, this matter will now have to be settled through mediation. IOL
The South African
04-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
The Daily Lotto results for Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Get Ready for Today's Daily Lotto Draw! Could tonight be your lucky night? Good Luck! 🎉 Dreaming of a big win? The Daily Lotto jackpot is up for grabs, and it's estimated at a thrilling R430 000! The jackpot prize money is guaranteed to be given away even if no one matches all five numbers. All it takes is a ticket to turn your dreams into reality because as the saying goes, you've got to be in it to win it! 📢 Stay tuned! The winning numbers will be updated below as soon as they're drawn at or after 21:15. 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 Draw date: 4 June 2025 Did you miss a draw and wonder if you won? Click here to view past Daily Lotto results and payouts. The Daily Lotto draws occur every day of the week, Monday to Sunday, around 21:30 (SA time). Buy your tickets now at your nearest participating retailer, on our website by visiting national using your computer or mobile site, via the National Lottery Mobile App, or participating banks, namely FNB, ABSA, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, TymeBank and African Bank otherwise dial 120 7529# for USSD. Winners who win R50 000 and above receive free trauma counselling from professional psychologists and financial advice from accredited financial advisors absolutely free. At the same time, winnings are paid tax-free directly into the winner's accounts. If you are buying tickets from a lottery outlet, they close at 20:30 on the day of a draw. Players must be 18 years old. Monday: Daily Lotto Daily Lotto Tuesday: Daily Lotto + PowerBall and PowerBall Plus Daily Lotto + PowerBall and PowerBall Plus Wednesday: Daily Lotto + Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 Daily Lotto + Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 Thursday: Daily Lotto Daily Lotto Friday: Daily Lotto + PowerBall and PowerBall Plus Daily Lotto + PowerBall and PowerBall Plus Saturday: Daily Lotto + Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 Daily Lotto + Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 Sunday: Daily Lotto For more details and to verify the winning numbers, visit the National Lottery website. You must always confirm the official winning numbers on the National Lottery website. We do our best to post the results as accurately as possible, but the National Lottery is the only source you can use to 100% verify the results. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time Out
23-05-2025
- Time Out
Local is lekker in winter with this cut-price Cableway special!
For pretty much any visitor to Cape Town, a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is near the top of their list of unforgettable things to do in Cape Town. But for locals? Eish, it can be pricey. But, with tourist numbers thinning out as winter arrives, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has launched its 'Local is Lekker Month-End Special', offering (much!) cheaper access to this Cape Town icon. Just when you get to the Salticrax time of the month, the Cableway special runs from 26 May – 1 June, and again 23 – 29 June 2025, with massive discounts on offer! On those dates, locals will pay only R250 per adult for a return ticket (usually R430) and R100 per child ticket (usually R215). As with all great deals, there are obviously some terms and conditions:
